Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony returns, honoring fallen veterans, love ones

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An annual celebration that honors fallen service members and loved ones will take place on Memorial Day.

The 2025 Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony marks the 27th year of the event. It will be held on May 26 at Ala Moana Beach Park from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Many Rivers, One Ocean,” organizers said.

The event is free is hosted by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist community with Japanese roots, and presented by its locally-based, social-contributing arm Na Lei Aloha Foundation.

Organizers said it’s the largest Memorial Day event in the U.S. and hopes to connect the community by offering a physical and emotional space for residents and visitors to find a sense of comfort, connection and healing.

“Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii invites individuals, families, and communities of every background to unite in a shared spirit of gratitude, reflection, and hope,” said community relations liaison of Shinnyo-en Hawaii Rev. Craig Yamamoto. “We are honored to continue this meaningful tradition, fostering connection where renewal and unity embrace all.”

Organizers said that lanterns will be available on a first-come, first served basis and there is no pre-reservation.

A total of 6,000 candle-lit lanterns bearing remembrances, prayers and affirmations to perpetuate the goodness of those being remembered will be set afloat at Ala Moana Beach at sunset, officials said.

Lanterns will be collected at the end of the ceremony by volunteers to be refurbished for next year.

Learn more about the event online.

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